Vibration processing device for improving the accuracy and amplitude of mechanical watches

Abstract

The object of the present invention is to provide a processing device that improves the accuracy and amplitude of a mechanical watch movement without disassembling it. [Solution] A processing apparatus for improving the accuracy of a mechanical watch by applying vibration from outside the movement to the balance wheel oscillation of the mechanical watch, comprising: an actuator that generates vibration; a control unit that controls the actuator; and a holding jig that holds the mechanical watch, wherein the control unit controls the actuator to generate vibration at predetermined intervals, and the internal state of the mechanical watch is improved by applying the vibration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device that improves the state of the movement inside a mechanical watch (hereinafter also referred to as a "watch") by applying vibration from outside the movement to the balance vibration of the watch, and improves accuracy indicators such as daily rate and amplitude.

Background Art

[0002] A mechanical watch operates by a pendulum called a balance vibrating at a constant period and converting its reciprocating motion into time display by a gear mechanism. However, since a mechanical watch is composed of a complex analog mechanism including gears, bearings, and a mainspring, manufacturing errors, usage environment, and aging changes can lead to insufficient lubrication or wear of parts, which easily results in a decrease in the daily rate (time error per day) and amplitude (swing angle of the balance).

[0003] Conventionally, for such problems, it is common to restore accuracy by overhaul (disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, part replacement, etc.). However, since overhaul requires corresponding costs and time, there is a problem that maintenance cannot be easily received even in the case of relatively minor deterioration.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a method of easily and finely adjusting the moment of inertia within a wide adjustment range without changing the overall center of gravity position. However, in order to perform the adjustment operation described here, the rim part has a balance wheel having a rim part composed of a plurality of divided rim parts that are divided in the circumferential direction, extend along the circumferential direction, and are evenly arranged around the rotation axis. The divided rim part has a fixed end where one end in the circumferential direction is connected to a connecting arm, and a free end where the other end in the circumferential direction is a free end. It must be a mechanical watch equipped with a balance having a position adjustment mechanism for elastically deforming the divided rim part so as to move the free end of the divided rim part in the radial direction and adjusting the position of the free end, and it could not be used to improve the performance of existing mechanical watches.

[0005] Patent Document 2 describes a method for accurately adjusting the oscillation frequency of an oscillator, such as a spring-type balance wheel, in a mechanical watch without requiring disassembly, by emitting a laser at an actuator provided on the balance wheel. However, this required equipping the balance wheel with an actuator made of a material suitable for irreversibly and locally micro-magnification under the action of a laser, which meant it could not be used to improve the performance of existing mechanical watches.

[0006] In all prior art documents, the problem was that a special mechanism had to be incorporated into the balance wheel. On the other hand, it is widely known that the performance of engines and mechanical devices improves through break-in, as moderate vibration, heat, and friction allow for better internal lubrication and improved contact between parts. The inventor has applied a concept similar to this "break-in" to mechanical watches and has found a method to improve accuracy without installing any special mechanism on the balance wheel by applying vibration from outside the movement near the balance wheel's pulse cycle. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-134125 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-97393 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a processing device that can improve the performance of a mechanical watch movement without disassembling it. The challenge here is to create a processing device that improves the amplitude of the balance wheel of the watch being processed and reduces the variation in daily time due to positional differences. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In a first aspect of the present invention, a processing apparatus for improving the accuracy of a mechanical watch by applying vibration to the balance wheel oscillation of the mechanical watch from outside the movement, a) An actuator that generates vibrations, b) A control unit that controls the actuator, c) A holding jig for holding the mechanical watch, Equipped with, The processing apparatus is provided, characterized in that the control unit controls the actuator to generate vibrations at predetermined intervals, and the application of vibrations improves the internal state of the mechanical watch. Here, the predetermined interval refers to the interval between vibrations generated by the vibration-applying device, and is an operating parameter set to appropriately adjust the operating state of the balance wheel of the mechanical watch being processed.

[0010] In the above-described processing apparatus, the vibration may be at least one waveform selected from a square wave, a triangular wave, a sine wave, white noise, and a chirp waveform.

[0011] The above processing apparatus may further include a sensor for detecting the balance wheel oscillation of the mechanical clock, and a synchronization control unit for controlling the oscillation timing of the actuator based on the detection signal from the sensor.

[0012] In the above-described processing apparatus, the synchronization control unit may further control the processing time, vibration waveform, vibration intensity, and vibration phase. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external view showing the system configuration of the vibration-applying processing apparatus of Example 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the vibration generating device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the operation flow of the processing using the vibration applying processing apparatus of Example 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an external view showing the system configuration of the vibration applying processing apparatus of Example 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows the operation flow of the processing using the vibration applying processing apparatus of Example 2.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, specific examples of the present invention will be described in embodiments using the drawings. In the embodiments, each functional component for realizing the functions of the present invention executes a control program such as pre - incorporated firmware or an application stored in a storage device by a processor such as a computer or a circuit, and cooperates with the mechanism of the device, actuators such as piezoelectric elements, and various sensors to be realized.

EXAMPLE

[0015] FIG. 1 is an external view showing the system configuration of the vibration applying processing apparatus of this example. The vibration applying processing apparatus is composed of a vibration generating device 1001 and a control unit 1003 that controls this vibration generating device via a connection interface 1002. The vibration generating device 1001 includes an actuator housing 1004 that also serves as a contact for contacting the watch case and transmitting vibration, and a holding jig 1005 for holding the mechanical watch as components.

[0016] The vibration applying processing apparatus is configured to place the mechanical watch 1006 to be processed on the actuator housing 1004, hold it by the holding jig 1005, and transmit the vibration set in the control unit 1003, so that the processing is executed.

[0017] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the vibration generating device. The vibration generating device consists of functional components: a holding unit 2001, a vibration transmission unit 2002, an actuator 2003, and a balance wheel state sensor 2004. The holding unit 2001 is a holding jig 1005 that holds the mechanical watch to be processed.

[0018] In this case, the vibration transmission unit 2002 is an actuator housing 1004 that also functions as an oscillator. However, the vibration transmission unit of the present invention is not limited to this, and any mechanism that transmits vibrations emitted by an actuator while being in close contact with the watch case can be appropriately adopted.

[0019] In this example, actuator 2003 employs a piezoelectric element, but the actuator of the present invention is not limited to this; any mechanism that transmits vibrations to the mechanical watch being processed can be used as appropriate.

[0020] The state sensor 2004, in this case an acceleration sensor, is attached to the holding jig 1005 to monitor the movement of the balance wheel. This allows operation data to be collected from the control unit located outside the movement of the mechanical watch. The collected balance wheel vibration state is fed back to the control unit 1003 in real time via the connection interface 1002, enabling the realization of a vibration application device that controls the applied vibration. Here, an acceleration sensor is used as the state sensor and is installed on the holding jig, but the state sensor that can be used in this invention is not limited to this, and methods such as installing an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor near the balance wheel to monitor the movement of the balance wheel can be used as appropriate.

[0021] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device 1003. The control device consists of functional components: a balance vibration detection unit 3001, a vibration control unit 3002, a synchronization control unit 3003, and a setting unit 3004. The balance vibration detection unit 3001 receives operation data collected by the vibration generator via a connection interface and detects balance vibrations such as vibration frequency and amplitude.

[0022] The vibration control unit 3002 transmits an operating signal to the vibration generator via a connection interface according to the set operating parameters. Here, the operating parameters are the vibration interval, frequency, amplitude, period, and duration. As an example, the vibration interval is set to a value close to the vibration period of the balance wheel of the mechanical watch being processed. Setting this interval causes an entrainment phenomenon (pull-in phenomenon), which has the effect of improving the operation of the balance wheel. However, the setting of operating parameters in this invention is not limited to this, and the user can arbitrarily adjust them based on the operating state of the balance wheel and the processing results, so that operating parameter settings that do not utilize entrainment can also be adopted as appropriate.

[0023] The synchronization control unit 3003 analyzes the motion data acquired from the vibration generator via the connection interface and adjusts the motion parameters as needed. This dynamically controls the balance wheel's movement so that it is drawn into the applied vibration.

[0024] The setting unit 3004 receives operation parameter input via a user interface (not shown) and sets the operation parameters of the vibration generator at the start of the machining operation.

[0025] Figure 4 shows the operation flow of the processing process using the vibration-applying processing device of this embodiment. Below, as an example of the present invention, the operation flow of the vibration-applying device will be described in steps.

[0026] In the initial setup step S1, the user operates the setting unit 3004 to set the operating parameters of the vibration generator. These operating parameters include the vibration interval, frequency, amplitude, period, and duration. These parameters are determined based on user input or pre-programmed conditions.

[0027] In vibration generator startup step S2, upon receiving a startup command from a user interface (not shown), the control unit 1003 transmits a startup signal to the vibration generator. The startup signal causes the vibration generator to transition from standby to operating state.

[0028] In vibration application step S3, the vibration control unit 3002 transmits a control signal to the vibration generator based on the set operating parameters. The vibration generator generates vibrations of a specified frequency and amplitude in response to the control signal.

[0029] In real-time control step S4, the synchronization control unit 3003 analyzes the motion data acquired from the vibration generator via the connection interface and adjusts the motion parameters as necessary. This dynamically controls the balance wheel's movement so that it is drawn into the applied vibration. This phenomenon, where the balance wheel's movement is drawn into the applied vibration, is called entrainment.

[0030] An example of real-time control here is as follows: The state sensor 2004 measures the movement of the balance wheel, sensing its natural frequency, actual vibration frequency, and amplitude in real time, and transmits this movement data to the synchronization control unit via the connection interface 1002. The synchronization control unit 3003 compares the acquired movement data with the set target vibration value (such as the frequency of the applied vibration) to determine whether the balance wheel is synchronized with the applied vibration. When confirming the occurrence of entrainment, the behavior in which the vibration period and amplitude of the balance wheel detected by the sensor begin to match the applied vibration serves as an indicator. Based on this data, the synchronization control unit adjusts the output of the vibration generator and controls the balance wheel to maintain a stable entrainment state.

[0031] In vibration stopping step S5, when the set duration has elapsed, the control unit 1003 sends a stop signal to the vibration generator. The vibration generator 1001 receives the stop signal and terminates the generation of vibrations.

[0032] In the termination process step S6, the control unit 1003 checks the operating status of the vibration generator 1001 and records that it has stopped normally. It also saves the data log of the operation and presents it to the user via a user interface (not specifically shown) as needed.

[0033] Following this operational flow, when a mechanical watch equipped with an SW200 (28,800 vph) that had been manufactured for one year was processed under the conditions shown in Table 1 of this embodiment, the improvement results shown in Table 2 were obtained.

[0034] [Table 1] [Table 2]

[0035] As described above, in this embodiment, an improvement effect of increasing the amplitude of the balance wheel and an accuracy improvement effect of reducing the daily rate of the mechanical watch were confirmed without disassembling the mechanical watch body. [Examples]

[0036] Figure 5 is an external view showing the system configuration of the vibration-impregnating processing apparatus of this embodiment. The mechanical watch body 5001 to be processed is processed with the case back 5002 removed, exposing the balance wheel bridge 5003 and the bridge 5004 that supports it. The vibration-impregnating processing apparatus is a system consisting of an actuator 5005 fixed in close contact with the balance wheel bridge that contacts the balance wheel, a state sensor 5006 fixed in close contact with the bridge adjacent to the balance wheel, a holding jig 5007 that holds the mechanical watch body, an actuator connection interface 5008, a sensor connection interface 5009, and a control unit 5010 connected to the actuator that impregnates the balance wheel with vibration. Here, the state sensor 5006 is an acceleration sensor that detects the vibration operation of the balance wheel. The actuator 5005 is a piezoelectric element that vibrates in response to an electrical signal from the control unit.

[0037] The control unit 5010 operates the actuator to transmit vibrations set by a user interface (not shown). The control unit monitors the vibration of the balance wheel based on signals from a state sensor as needed and controls the vibrations applied by the actuator.

[0038] In this example, actuator 5005 employs a piezoelectric element, but the actuator of the present invention is not limited to this; any mechanism capable of imparting vibration to the balance wheel oscillation of the mechanical watch being processed can be used as appropriate.

[0039] The state sensor 5006, in this case an acceleration sensor, is attached to the bridge 5004 to monitor the movement of the balance wheel. This allows the control unit located outside the watch body to collect data on the balance wheel's operation. The collected balance wheel vibration state is fed back to the control unit 5010 in real time via the sensor connection interface 5009, allowing for the control of the applied vibration. While an acceleration sensor is used as the state sensor here and installed on the bridge, the state sensor that can be used in this invention is not limited to this, and other methods such as installing an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor near the balance wheel to monitor its movement can be used as appropriate.

[0040] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device 5010. The control device consists of functional components: a balance vibration detection unit 6001, a vibration control unit 6002, a synchronization control unit 6003, and a setting unit 6004. The balance vibration detection unit 6001 receives operation data collected from the state sensor via the sensor connection interface 5009 and detects balance vibrations such as vibration frequency and amplitude.

[0041] The vibration control unit 6002 transmits an operating signal to the actuator 5005 via the actuator connection interface 5008 according to the set operating parameters. Here, the operating parameters are the vibration interval, frequency, amplitude, period, and duration. In this case, the operating parameters are set to generate the phenomenon of the balance wheel's vibration being drawn into the vibration of the vibration generator, such as setting the vibration interval to an interval close to the vibration period of the balance wheel of the mechanical watch being processed. However, the setting of the operating parameters in the present invention is not limited to settings that generate entrainment, and the user may appropriately set the operating parameters by referring to the processing results.

[0042] The synchronization control unit 6003 analyzes the operation data acquired from the state sensor and adjusts the operation parameters as needed. This dynamically controls the balance wheel's vibration so that it is drawn into the applied vibration.

[0043] The setting unit 6004 receives operation parameter input via a user interface (not shown) and sets the operation parameters of the actuator at the start of the machining operation.

[0044] Figure 7 shows the operation flow of the machining process using the vibration-applied machining apparatus of this embodiment. Below, as an example of the present invention, the operation flow of the vibration-applied machining apparatus will be described in steps.

[0045] In the watch setting step S21, the user removes the back cover of the mechanical watch to be processed and holds it in the holding jig 5007.

[0046] In the sensor setup step S22, the user securely fixes the actuator to the exposed temperature receiver and the state sensor to the bridge.

[0047] In the initial setup step S23, the user operates the setting unit 6004 to set the operating parameters of the vibration generator. These operating parameters include the vibration interval, vibration frequency, amplitude, period, and duration. These parameters are determined based on user input or pre-programmed conditions.

[0048] In the startup step S24, upon receiving a startup command from a user interface (not shown), the control unit 5010 transmits a startup signal to the actuator. The startup signal causes the actuator to transition from the standby state to the operating state.

[0049] In vibration application step S25, the vibration control unit 6002 transmits a control signal to the actuator based on the set operating parameters. The actuator generates vibrations of a specified frequency and amplitude in response to the control signal.

[0050] In the real-time control step S26, the synchronous control unit 6003 analyzes the operation data acquired from the state sensor and adjusts the operation parameters as necessary. For example, it dynamically controls the balance wheel's movement so that it is drawn into the applied vibration. This phenomenon, where the balance wheel's movement is drawn into the applied vibration, is called entrainment.

[0051] An example of real-time control here is as follows: The state sensor 5006 measures the movement of the balance wheel, sensing its natural frequency, actual vibration frequency, and amplitude in real time, and transmits this movement data to the synchronization control unit via the sensor connection interface 5009. The synchronization control unit 6003 compares the acquired movement data with the set target vibration value (such as the frequency of the applied vibration) to determine whether the balance wheel is synchronized with the applied vibration. When confirming the occurrence of entrainment, the behavior in which the vibration period and amplitude of the balance wheel detected by the sensor begin to match the applied vibration serves as an indicator. Based on this data, the synchronization control unit adjusts the output of the vibration generator and controls the balance wheel to maintain a stable entrainment state.

[0052] In vibration stopping step S27, once the set duration has elapsed, the control unit 5010 sends a stop signal to the vibration generator. The actuator receives the stop signal and terminates the generation of vibration.

[0053] In the termination process step S28, the control unit 5010 checks the operating status of the actuator 5005 and records that it has stopped normally. It also saves the data log of the operation and presents it to the user via a user interface (not specifically shown) as needed.

[0054] In Example 2, by simply removing the case back without disassembling the movement of the mechanical watch body, the same improvement effect as in Example 1—an increase in the amplitude of the balance wheel and an improvement in accuracy—a reduction in the daily rate of the mechanical watch—can be obtained. [Industrial applicability]

[0055] This invention is expected to be used in a wide range of applications, including watch manufacturing lines, adjustment processes in repair shops, and personal maintenance. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1001 Vibration Generator 1002 Connection Interface 1003 Control Unit 1004 Actuator housing 1005 Holding fixture 1006 Mechanical Watch

Claims

1. A processing device for improving the accuracy of a mechanical watch by applying vibrations from outside the movement to the balance wheel oscillation of the mechanical watch, a) An actuator that generates vibrations, b) A control unit that controls the actuator, c) A holding jig for holding the mechanical watch, Equipped with, The processing apparatus is characterized in that the control unit controls the actuator to generate vibrations at predetermined intervals, and the internal state of the mechanical watch is improved by applying the vibrations.

2. In the processing apparatus described in claim 1, The processing apparatus is characterized in that the vibration is at least one waveform selected from a square wave, a triangular wave, a sine wave, white noise, and a chirp waveform.

3. In the processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, A sensor for detecting the balance wheel oscillation of the aforementioned mechanical watch, A synchronization control unit that controls the vibration timing of the actuator based on the detection signal from the sensor, A processing apparatus characterized by further comprising the following:

4. In the processing apparatus described in claim 3, The aforementioned synchronization control unit further controls the processing time, vibration waveform, vibration intensity, and vibration phase of the processing apparatus.

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